February 2012

Upcoming Events

Hoops for a Cure- February 19, 2012 (purchase tickets)
Cruising 4 A Cure- March 5-10, 2012
William and Mary Tribe Fest for the Cure- March 31, 2012
Spartyka Fight League TKO for the Ta-Tas- April 14, 2012
Race for the Cure 2012- October 20, 2012
Cruise to Nowhere- October 20, 2012

Race Team of the Month- 7 Eleven Pink Slurpee Stompers

7-Eleven became a sponsor w/Komen Tidewater Affiliate back in 2008, we have had several employee’s and customers who have been affected by breast cancer and they wanted to be apart of an organization that provides services for survivors and continues to research for a cure for breast cancer. 

Our 1^st year, 2008, we were a $2500 bronze level sponsor and we donated space in 300 stores to promote “Race for the Cure” by providing the registration brochures to our employee’s and customer’s, we also had a tent at the walk and handed out our Pink Ribbon donuts as samples, we had 43 walkers and raised over $4000.00 and we sold about 24,000 Pink Ribbon donuts and donated about $3600.00 from donut sales in our stores.  The POP for the Pink Ribbon donuts utilized Komen’s logo.

In our 2^nd year, 2009, we were a $5000 level sponsor and we donated space in 300 stores to promote “Race for the Cure” by providing the registration brochures to our employee’s and customer’s, this year we introduced Pink Slurpee in the stores and we had Pink Slurpee available at the walk as samples, also in our tent at the walk we handed out our Pink Ribbon donuts as samples.  Coke donated 500 Pink Slurpee Stomper’s hats and we sold these at the walk and our stores and the proceeds went to Komen Tidewater, we utilized Komen’s logo on our POP for the Pink Slurpee and Pink Ribbon donut sales in the stores.  We had over 50 walkers and raised over $6000 and donated over $4000 from the Pink Slurpee donut sales.

In our 3^rd year, 2010, we were the primary local sponsor for the Komen Tidewater – Race for the Cure, this was an exciting year for 7-Eleven and Komen.  We were able to put canisters on the counters of over 1000 stores across our division which includes the states of VA,  W.VA, NC, DC, MD and DE.  We were able to have Pink Ribbons in the stores where the employee’s, customers, etc., were able to make donations and they could be rung through the register and the Pink Ribbons were posted in the stores on the windows, walls and any where they could get them, so the customers could see them.  Also, as in the prior years we sold Pink Ribbon donuts and Pink Slurpee in our stores.  Of course at the walk we provided sample Pink Ribbon donuts to all walkers.  Again, we had over 50 walkers but we raised over $60,000 from canister donations and Pink Ribbons.  We donated over $10,000 from Pink Ribbon donut sales.

Last year, 2011, we were just a participant with Komen due to a reduction in our budget for community organizations and a change in our process/focus for community organizations.  But we still had over 30 walkers and raised over $20,000 but no donut sales.  Also, 7-Eleven was able to get our vendor - Bakefresh who provides the Pink Ribbon donuts to donate Pink donuts for the Survivor tent.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteer for the following committees and consider a leadership role as well!

Fundraising
Volunteer
PR & Marketing
Education
Development

Volunteers are also needed for the following events:

February 15 (10:00am-2:00pm)- African American Health Fair at Norfolk State University
February 19 (1:00pm-3:00pm)- Hoops for the Cure at ODU
March 17 (8:00am-1:00pm) St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ocean View

As you already know, we are a grassroots organization and the future of the affiliate depends on your time and dedication to the cause. If you are interested in volunteering for any of the above committees or events, please contact Claire Ackiss at supportstaff@komentidewater.org.

Claire Ackiss- Volunteer Coordinator

Meet the Board- Cliff Yellen

Hello. I am Cliff Yellen, and I have been privileged to serve on the Board of Directors since June 2010. I have volunteered for many events and assisted with the moen and set up of the new office location. Las year, I co-chaired the logistics committee for the 2011 Race for the Cure. 

Originally from Connecticut, I have been in the Tidewater Area since 1984. I am retired, at least three times, and enjoy golf, good food and good friends and family time.

In 2006, my wife Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer, and we participated in our first Race for the Cure at the oceanfront. In May of 2007, I lost Susan and decided to honor her by doing more than showing up and participating in Race. Since then, joined by family and friends, our Race team, Team Susan, has been represented in every Race for the cure and we are always inspired. Team Susan has also walked in six 3-Day events.

I am involved with Komen because I believe that early detection can save countless lives. Education and awareness is the key. With 75% of our funds given as grants right here in our community, Komen is positioned to have the greatest impact in our own backyard.

I have a sign that I wear on the walks that says it all- "I walk in Memory of my wife, Susan, and all those lost too soon to breast cancer. I walk in Support of all those who are fighting this terrible disease. I walk in Celebration of those survivors who especially those who are walking today and most importantly, I walk to find a cure."

Volunteer of the Month- Cynthia Duhe'-Harris

Komen Tidewater would like to honor Mrs. Cynthia Duhe'-Harris as this month's Volunteer of the Month! Cynthia is the Chair of our Circle of Promise Tidewater program which brings awareness and a call to action to the African American community in our service area.

SGK:What brought you to Komen Tidewater?
CDH:I initially got involved with Komen after my closest and dearest friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. I chose Komen versus other organizations beacuse I liked and understood their vision and mission and because they were present in my community.

SGK: How long have you been a Komen Tidewater Volunteer?
CDH: I think I have been with Komen for five years. It may be six. I started as a volunteer in general, then moved to more specific areas within the organization.

SGK:What types of volunteering have you done at the affiliate?
CDH: I have volunteered as a speaker for various engagements. I have setup educational booths and distributed awareness information. I currently serve as Chairperson for the Circle of Promise Tidewater. Other engagements include: health fairs, community reunions, and of course present on Race day and captain of a Race team.

SGK:What do you like most about your volunteer job?
CDH: The most rewarding aspect is knowing that I am helping to save someone's life through education and awareness.

SGK: How have you been affected by breast cancer?
CDH:Unfortunately, within a 3 month period, 3 women that are very close to me were diagnosed with breast cancer. The first call I received was from my best friend and Sister-in-Christ, Loretta, the second call from my younger sister Jacqueline, and the third call came from a dear friend and colleague, Sharon. While Loretta has moved from this earthly residence, Jackie & Sharon remain in remission and in good spirits.

 Grantee at a Glance- Hampton Health Department

The Hampton Health Deaparment's program is called "Breast Health for the Uninsured," and has been in place for eight years now. The program provides screening and diagnostic services for low income, uninsured women living in Hampton. This year they will provide services for at least 140 women. Additionally, they provide case management for every participating woman for the entire continuum of breast health care, which includes, breast exams, screening and/or diagnostics, and placement into care if cancer is diagnosed. They actively promote their screening opportunities through health ministries, city cable TV, at local women's shelters and agencies serving people with disabilities. Breast Health for the Uninsured has helped hundreds of women over the years.